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All items tagged BushOpen Think Tank ArticlesFebruary 2, 2009 | Making Europe's Relationship With Obama More Than a FlirtJordan Michael Smith: The unprecedented enthusiasm with which the election of President Obama has been received in Europe is destined to sink when European and American interests conflict. Measures can, however, be applied on both sides of the Atlantic to secure the positive development of the Euro-American relationship. ... MoreDecember 30, 2008 | Sarkozy: Bush in French GarbThomas Speckmann: Nicolas Sarkozy governs according to his own agenda, to the disadvantage of Europe. His political style is similar to the unilateral approach of President Bush, condemned by so many Europeans. France cannot continue to give its longstanding ally, Germany, the cold shoulder. Sarkozy must cease his go-it-alone policies and become “Sarkozy l’Européen.” ... MoreNovember 3, 2008 | Thank you, Mr. PresidentHeinrich Maetzke: Here is a politically incorrect assessment: President Bush will hand over to his successor a Middle Eastern foreign policy outlook far brighter than the one he inherited from Bill Clinton. Strenuous double containment of Iraq and Iran has given way to difficult but doable containment of Iran. And Iraq looks like the most promising country in the entire region. ... MoreOctober 24, 2008 | American Foreign Policy Bids Farewell to NeoconservatismJames Joyner: Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama is simply the final scene of an act long in coming: neoconservatism is dead. The Foreign Policy Establishment is composed of realists, and neocon ideas are being pushed to the margins. For the GOP, the sooner it can re-embrace pragmatic foreign policy, the better. ... MoreJuly 30, 2008 | Only the Younger Generation can Bring Obama's Promised ChangeRichard Wales: The presidential election campaigns are shaped by corporate interests. Barack Obama is part of the same institutionalized political elite as Bush. The promised change can only be achieved by a new generation. ... MoreJune 11, 2008 | HOT ISSUE: How Long is Bush's Shadow?From the Editorial Team: President Bush’s last official visit to Germany has sparked a vivid debate about the legacy of his presidency and the image of the US abroad. Will Europe forget about Bush soon after the elections and consider the US once again as a partner and friend? Or will the next president have to fight with America’s tainted image for years to come? ... MoreJune 11, 2008 | Farewell to Bush, a Friend in the EndMarek Swierczynski: The farewell trip of the 43rd US president shows who and what really matters for America in Europe. George Bush visits America’s traditional allies and friends but emphasizes the role of the EU as the main transatlantic link and one that may play an important role during the next presidency. ... MoreApril 30, 2008 | On Righting Trade: Human Rights, Trade, and the 2008 ElectionsSusan Aaronson: This article takes a closer look at the Bush administration’s policy concerning trade and human rights; a policy area that has, in recent years, been inconsistent. As the Olympics approach, how the US responds to China’s human rights violations with respect to trade negotiations could set a very important precedent. ... MoreApril 6, 2008 | Why We Should Fear a McCain PresidencyAnatol Lieven: McCain’s promise to listen more to America’s allies in Europe needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Senator McCain is in fact a neo-conservative as can be seen from his policies on Iraq, Russia, NATO, and democracy building. ... MoreMarch 20, 2008 | The Last Days of George W. Bush and the Old Ways?Fouad Naji Maarouf: George W. Bush was a disaster for the US. A change of attitude and government would bring good change. ... MoreMarch 11, 2008 | Iran Just Won't Stay IsolatedCharles Kupchan and Ray Takeyh: Rather than continuing to pursue strategies which isolate and attempt to contain Iran, the US needs to follow the lead of its Arab Allies, practice diplomacy, and encourage regional integration. ... MoreOctober 12, 2007 | Iran: Reframing the US Case for WarSeymour Hersh: The United States government is now focusing on the Islamic Republic’s role in international terrorism, especially in Iraq, rather than on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The counter-proliferation effort is thus being redefined as a counterterrorism project. ... MoreGlobal Must Read ArticlesOctober 27, 2009 | Obama Needs to Stop Covering UpThe Obama administration recently threatened to halt its intelligence-sharing with Britain, to block the release of seven paragraphs of American intelligence documents relating to torture allegations by a former prisoner at Guantanamo Bay. ++ In doing so, justice is denied to the victims of his predecessor’s “wayward government policies” and officials are shielded from accountability. ++ Mr Obama ... MoreMay 20, 2009 | The US Should Lead by Example with DemocracyUnder the Obama Administration the promotion of democracy in foreign policy is likely to take a back seat to defense, diplomacy, and development. ++ In previous administrations democracy took on an “imperialist connotation,” but there “is a danger in over-reacting to the failures of Bush’s policies.” ++ Democracy is not in retreat, but it is “important to distinguish the goal from the means used ... MoreMarch 23, 2009 | He Sounds Too Much Like BushObama’s clear rhetoric on terrorism and the rule of law contrast his stance on state secrets and detainees with that of the previous administration. ++ President Obama ordered Guantanamo’s closure and abolished the “enemy combatant” terminology, but his remarks that the war on terror is “global” and has the world as its battlefield “sound a bit too close for comfort to the Bush team’s benighted ... MoreFebruary 25, 2009 | West, Stuborness Doesn't Pay Off!Albeit at a slow pace, Iran is proceeding with its uranium enrichment program. ++ Unless the West completely reconsiders its diplomacy tactic vis à vis Iran, it is difficult to imagine a changed scenario: “years have been lost to ineffective approaches.” ++ Obama’s initiative to have direct negotiations with Tehran should have been opted for earlier. ++ An alluring option could be ... MoreFebruary 18, 2009 | Afghanistan: Achilles Heel of Transatlantic AllianceThe pledge for a new era of cooperation made by Joe Biden during the Security Conference in Munich has been received with great enthusiasm worldwide. ++ Europe is, however, slowly realizing that the cost of Obama’s multilateralism outweighs the benefits. ++ Caught in an unprecedented economic tempest, the European partners will be forced to concentrate on domestic matters instead of sending ... MoreFebruary 16, 2009 | India Misses Mr. Bush? January 20, 2009 | Few Tears Shed Over Bush's DepartureApart for the brief wave of popularity in the aftermath of 9/11, Bush has ended his mandate leaving Americans disaffected. ++ Among the numerous mistakes he made, one of the biggest was his unwillingness to open dialogue with political adversaries to forge durable consensus. ++ His “my-way-or-the-highway politics” was at the origin of much criticism, including his policy in Iraq. ++”It is ... MoreJanuary 19, 2009 | New Taxes: Solution Out of Financial CrisisThe new US government has opted for raising taxes in an attempt to exit the financial crisis: a necessary step indeed considering the dangerous state of the economy as a result of the huge budget deficit accumulated during the Bush years. ++ The problem is that “the country has an idiotic income tax system” and as such it will not be sufficient to “fill more than a small part of the revenue ... MoreJanuary 14, 2009 | Ending US UnilateralismWith the changing Presidency comes new thinking on policy; how could the US shift away from Bush’s unilateralism towards cooperation with allies and multilateralism? ++ The policy of ‘going it alone’ is failing the US in Iraq and Afghanistan confirming the point that in a globalized, interdependent world unilateralism is insufficient. ++ In its military operations the US needs ... MoreJanuary 12, 2009 | Failures of Statecraft: Bush and the Middle EastA series of failures during the eight-year Bush administration are culminating in the current Gaza war. ++ Bush failed to capitalize on Arafat’s nationalistic and peace making potential; he then shunned Iran despite vital intelligence aid during the Afghan war. ++ Furthermore, “Bush insisted on holding Palestinian elections in January 2006,” resulting in a Hamas victory; militarily backing ... MoreJanuary 5, 2009 | Bush: Packing His BagsPresident Bush appears comfortable with his legacy. ++ This includes the battle against Islamist terrorists, his executive order in support of faith-based initiatives, and an unsuccessful drive to reform Social Security - however, Bush notes that his efforts made it “politically safe to campaign on changing Social Security and then actually seek to change it.” ++ Bush also noted the importance of ... MoreDecember 19, 2008 | "Empires of the Future"Barack Obama, financial crisis, resurgent Russia, G20, Western decline, climate change - in the season of global predictions, current discourse is driven by these and other such catchwords. ++ Yet, predictions from December 2007 were of little value: none predicted the financial collapse, none an Obama victory, nor any vastly fluctuating oil prices or governments’ failure to keep pace with global ... MoreDecember 8, 2008 | Two Court Cases Test US JusticeThe executive excesses and abuses of justice committed by the Bush administration in the name of fighting terrorism are coming to a head in two US court cases. ++ One case, being heard on Tuesday by the US Court of Appeals, involves Maher Arar, arrested by federal agents and shipped to Syria under “extraordinary rendition” where he was tortured. ++ Recent court rulings have portrayed the case as ... MoreNovember 24, 2008 | Human Rights Watch Praises Bush on Darfur StanceDespite opposition to the ICC, President Bush is backing its prosecution of President Omar al-Bashir for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Darfur. ++ Sudan is trying to both charm and blackmail members of the Security Council to postpone ICC action by promising the resignation of top officials and threatening foreign humanitarian and peace workers. ++ Prosecuting Bashir would ... MoreNovember 21, 2008 | Closing GuantanamoObama has pledged to close Guantanamo, yet critical questions must be addressed: what are the rights of detainees? Is preventive detention justified? Do we need a new detention statute with revised standards of proof? ++ Judge Leon’s release order for five prisoners begs the question: how many others should simply be let go? ++ Some prisoners cannot be sent home for fear of their own government, ... MoreNovember 17, 2008 | Realistic Expectations: G20This weekend’s G20 summit was a mixed bag: Obama did not attend, lame-duck Bush cannot make any serious commitments, and yet, the G20 may be jockeying its way into an important position. ++ National governments promised to focus on macroeconomic coordination, and regulatory standards via the IMF or Financial Stability Forum (FSF). ++ “It would be good if Saturday’s declaration proved to be the ... MoreNovember 14, 2008 | After a Vote for Change, Obama Chose ContinuityWashington’s handling of the Wall Street bailout is incompetent, maybe illegal. ++ The Democrat response is to either defend the Bush administration or refuse to intervene. ++ Bush is violating the conditions of the original bailout, effectively cutting another $140 billion in taxes. ++ Obama’s agenda has turned from “change” to “continuity.” ++ It would do him and his fellow Democrats good to ... MoreNovember 12, 2008 | Bush, Obama Should Push for Trade AgreementsIn the upcoming lame duck session of Congress, Bush and Obama should insist to vote on the outstanding free trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea and Panama. ++ The election put these pacts on the back burner, but the sooner deals are made to beat out competition from Canada and the EU, the more it will benefit US manufacturing. ++ US geopolitics in the “war on drugs” and ... MoreNovember 12, 2008 | Restoring US-Iranian RelationsPresident Bush will take a first step toward restoring diplomatic relations with Iran by establishing a diplomatic office. ++ The US understands that going to war with Iran would be fatal. ++ Unlike the US, “Iran never tried to overthrow a US government. Iran never invaded America’s neighbors. Iran never stationed aircraft carriers off the US coast.” ++ Dialogue will change the ... MoreNovember 11, 2008 | Sarkozy Against "Polite Conversation"French President Sarkozy is rushing on with demands for the upcoming G20-meeting, at the expense of diplomacy. ++ His harsh call for multilateral action, blaming Wall Street for the crisis, is explained by a feeling of support from public opinion in Europe. ++ However, the crisis was not fabricated only in the US; Europe’s structures have their own faults. ++ Sensible targets for the summit would ... MoreNovember 10, 2008 | Iraq: Bon Voyage?By the end of this year the UN mandate allowing US troops to operate in Iraq will expire. ++ Both countries have agreed to a US withdrawal and G. W. Bush has announced that troops will leave by 2011, “leaving only military trainers and air traffic controllers behind.” ++ The US should ask for an extension of its mandate and American troops should keep operating until a final agreement ... MoreOctober 31, 2008 | All Is Not Lost in US Foreign AffairsWhile it is true that G.W. Bush has ruined his country’s finances, alienated many of its friends and botched the risky occupation of Iraq, not everything was a disaster. ++ Coaxing China into a rules-based economic system and seeking closer ties with India are two major steps. ++ Dashed hopes in Russia and the Middle East are not his fault and the “mad-dog” president wisely kept cool ... MoreOctober 30, 2008 | Old Bush/Cheney Tricks in SyriaUS interests, and its allies, were dealt a severe blow when US commandos attacked an alleged Al Qaeda operative in Syria, killing seven civilians. ++ The risks of such an attack include “sabotaging Israeli-Syrian peace talks, reversing the trend of Syrian cooperation in Iraq and Lebanon, and playing into the hands of Iran,” which undoubtedly outweigh any “fleeting tactical ... MoreOctober 15, 2008 | Afghanistan in a Downward SpiralEven President Bush has now come to realize that Afghanistan is “the real frontline in the war on terror.” ++ America’s sixteen intelligence agencies agree that Afghanistan is on a “downward spiral.” ++ Sobering estimates say it will be five to ten years before Afghanistan is stabilized. ++ More troops are needed and if NATO allies are unwilling to send them, they should contribute monetarily. ... MoreOctober 14, 2008 | G20 the New G7G20 nations represent 85 percent of the world’s economy. ++ The forum is essential for addressing the financial meltdown. ++ Developed nations urgently need liquidity; the vast reserves of foreign capital held by emerging economies are the remedy. ++ Bush’s first appearance at the G20 highlights this very fact. ++ “It’s of all nations’ common interest to take coordinated measures to tackle the ... MoreOctober 1, 2008 | Paulson 0, Democracy 1“It is a glorious day for democracy.” ++ With all members of the House up for re-election in November, the rejection of the Paulson plan is a clear indication of the American public will - Wall Street must be accountable, not the tax payers. ++ Americans distrust the Bush administration, question its trickle-down economic theory, and fear more allocations of public funds to political favorites, ... MoreOctober 1, 2008 | The End of US ArroganceBy talking about terrorism instead of the financial crises in front of the UN, Bush has staged himself as “yesterday’s man.” ++ Even Germany - one of America’s closest allies - is distancing itself from the US and blames the state for opposing tighter international market controls. ++ German politicians do not see the US as the “superpower of the global financial system” anymore. ++ The view ... MoreSeptember 25, 2008 | UN Should Further One-State SolutionThe peace process based on the two-state solution is stagnant and one alternative which is increasingly popular among Palestinians and some Israelis is an unitary state, providing both parties equal rights. ++ Abbas and Bush still support the two-state solution, but they are on the wrong track. ++ It is up to the UN to act, but the one-state proposal can only be discussed at the organisation if ... MoreSeptember 22, 2008 | Pakistan: "Running Out of Time"President Bush’s decision to allow US military operations within Pakistan shows how desperate the situation is becoming. ++ But, if the Taliban and other extremists are to be permanently subdued, it must be done by Pakistan itself. ++ The US must convince Pakistan that the fight against extremism is their fight, not just America’s; Pakistan’s leaders must persuade their citizens of the same. ++ ... MoreAugust 4, 2008 | Bombing Iran Would be a Catastrophe for All of UsHis presidency coming to an end, Bush becomes obsessed with his legacy and solving the issue of nuclear Iran is foremost in his mind. ++ If he decides to support Israel in its possible attack on Iran, the economic and political costs would be disastrous: oil prices would soar, terrorist attacks worldwide would follow, and the possibility of any dialogue between Iran and the West would be ruined ... MoreJune 20, 2008 | It is Not Only Bush Who Was the Wrong GuyMost people overlook that it was not one man alone who widened the gap between the two sides of the Atlantic, and that the bogeyman Bush often either approved or facilitated Europe’s own decisions. ++ The dramatic transformation of the United States has been more accompanied by Bush than promoted by him. ++ With or without Bush, transatlantic relations would necessarily have shaped America’s ... MoreJune 17, 2008 | US Deal Leads to Rising Resentment in IraqIraq’s disparate ethnic groups are united in their opposition to the latest American political and military intentions for the country. ++ According to Bush’s plan, occupation of Iraq could be indefinite. ++ The president should leave the task of settling a deal with the Iraqi government to his successor and be content with an extension of the UN mandate, which is soon to expire. ++ His current ... MoreJune 13, 2008 | Bush Leaving Means no More TeasingIt did not take Iraq to spur dislike for Bush. ++ Yet by overstating his mistakes and cropping his successes, Germans acquired a sense of ease and superiority which they will lose when he goes. ++ The president’s catastrophic image made it possible to blame him rather than the terrorists for the situation in Afghanistan, dodge military commitments to NATO, and use Iraq as an argument to refuse ... MoreJune 11, 2008 | Upholding Sanctions Against Military ActionAttacking Iran would be disastrous, many civilians would die, the nuclear program would subsist, and Israel’s involvement would create a serious backlash in the region. ++ Iran’s threats toward Israel give reason for concern but sanctions and diplomatic incentives - both endorsed by Obama and McCain - should be favored over military action. ++ If the UN does not authorize applying punitive ... MoreJune 11, 2008 | "The New American Realism" Fairs Well in the EUSome may be tempted to ignore Bush during his final tour of Europe, a US President on his way out does not need the same attention as one on his way in. ++ Bush’s presidency, however, has marked an epoch-making shift: the emphasis of US diplomacy moved away from stability concerns and toward the spread democratic freedom; an emphasis that is strengthening the Atlantic ... MoreJune 10, 2008 | A Lame Duck and Chickens Cramp EU/US DialogUS President George W. Bush’s final visit to Europe is likely to be only ceremonial and of little real substance. ++ The EU and the US are deeply divided over issues of trade, especially the import ban on American poultry. ++ Meanwhile, Bush - who’s presidency is soon to end - has too little leverage to elicit European cooperation on such issues as Afghanistan and Iraq. ++ The question remains ... MoreJune 10, 2008 | Say Farewell to Bush, not to CooperationThe vital partnership of the EU and the US should be continued through the end of Bush’s term. ++ Issues such as the economy, Iran, Iraq, and climate change require the joint policy of financial and executive bodies. ++ The West also needs to display unity and determination in the face of Medvedev’s Russia, which has retained the nationalist tones and the threatening energy policy of the Putin ... MoreJune 10, 2008 | Bush and Olmert Exploit the Iranian ThreatBush and Olmert’s allusions to war with Iran are the result of their foreign and domestic policy predicaments. ++ Both leaders need to create a diversion to save themselves politically, and “if either - or both - should order a military strike against Iran, it will not be because Iran has done anything that could seriously threaten either Israel or the US.” ++ Since Iran has thus far remained a ... MoreJune 9, 2008 | Europe: Trapped Between Washington and Tehran?Europe is playing a dangerous game with Iran. ++ Supporting US-endorsed sanctions while simultaneously maintaining business ties with Iran has resulted in a “schizophrenic policy.” ++ While the US sees a nuclear Iran as absolutely unacceptable, many Europeans’ worst nightmare instead is a US or Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. ++ “Europe’s new leaders may speak loudly, but they still ... MoreMay 21, 2008 | America's Paralysis in the Face of "Hezbullahization"At the Knesset plenum, Bush’s declarations regarding America’s political and military commitment to Israel’s defense were most promising. ++ Yet the Hezbollah’s recent take over of Lebanon was met with absolute silence on behalf of the US and its Allies. ++ “America is tired, emasculated, and torn on the inside. It can only provide its protectorates in the Middle East with words.” ++ Since the US ... MoreApril 29, 2008 | US Should Work With Pakistan's New GovernmentMusharraf and Bush’s failure to calm Pakistan’s lawless border enabled Al Qaeda to take refuge and gain strength. ++ Pakistanis now think the war is Washington’s because of the civilian casualties. ++ New government has adopted a different course. ++ US should develop a new military strategy, provide more non-military aid, and support the new government which has exceeded ... MoreApril 4, 2008 | The Outcome of BucharestFor the sake of NATO credibility, the decision against MAPs for Ukraine and Georgia March 31, 2008 | Living up to European Expectations The decline of America’s image in Europe is less a matter of hostility than disillusionment. ++ Reinvigorating the transatlantic relationship requires a more flexible, multilateral US, and Europe February 27, 2008 | A US Exit Out of Iraq Would Benefit AllA Democratic candidate, if elected, needs to end the war in Iraq as promised. ++ US withdrawal would not only allow the US to make progress on domestic issues, but it would also give Iraqis an opportunity to make their own deals and decisions and could create more regional support for Iraq. ++ The idea that leaving Iraq would be “surrendering to evildoers” and simply set the stage for genocide is ... MoreFebruary 4, 2008 | The US Economy: A Deep Concern for the Middle ClassThe struggling US economy has become a critical issue for America’s current and future leadership. Robert Reich, a professor of public policy at the University of California at Berkeley and a former US secretary of labour, argues that presidential hopefuls need to recognize that “middle-class families have exhausted the coping mechanisms” which have kept them afloat since the 1970’s. ... MoreFebruary 4, 2008 | Bush's Success in the Fight Against AIDSPresident Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has never been given the credit or attention which its success merits, contends Joe Loconte of Pepperdine University. The PEPFAR program has thus far been responsible for providing medication to 1.4 million AIDS patients primarily in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean and Bush announced in his final State of the Union address that he ... MoreJanuary 22, 2008 | The Surge: Few Answers, More QuestionsFar from being the success which many have claimed it to be, the surge has actually accomplished very little according to Professor Andrew Bacevich of Boston University. Violence in Iraq has declined, but more because Sunni tribal leaders have been accommodated than because of additional US troops. Major problems with electricity and oil continue to persist and the surge’s only “undeniable ... MoreOctober 12, 2007 | Full US Troop Withdrawal by 2013? No Promises.The three leading Democratic presidential candidates all agreed it would be wrong to promise full troop withdrawal by 2013. However each remains determined to highlight their differing approaches to ending the war, write Jeff Zeleny and Patrick Healy for the New York Times. Speaking at a televised debate, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Obama and Mr. Edwards were clearly divided on the issue. Edwards asserted ... MoreAugust 27, 2007 | Die Zeit's Joffe on World Series Time for MerkelAngela Merkel’s leadership style thus far has resembled that of Otto von Bismarck, Europe’s “honest broker” in the late 1870’s. But with new leaders in power in France and Britain, the real diplomatic test is still ahead, argues Josef Joffe. The publisher-editor of the influential German weekly Die Zeit writes that it remains to be seen whether Merkel can moderate diverging ... MoreApril 30, 2007 | GMFUS Foreign Policy Director Glenn Briefs Congress on Transatlantic RelationsGerman Marshall Fund Director of Foreign Policy John K. Glenn testifies before the US House of Representatives subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight, drawing from data and analyses from GMFUS annual report, “Transatlantic Trends.” Glenn reports that though European opinion polls since 2002 have shown consistent decline in favorability towards America, Europeans ... MoreCommentsMarch 24, 2010 | Sounds like a reasonable argument. But...January 11, 2009 | In a mammoth piece of journalism the NYT...August 16, 2007 | I totally agree with Mr. Ben-Amis concise... |
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